Howdy,
I am looking at buying a Ruger MKIII to plink around with and am not really sure which model to buy. I think I like the MkIII better than the 22/45, but have never even owned a .22 pistol. Price is not an option for this discussion...I am just looking for a gun that shoots cheap, is fun, will last, and is very accurate...Which one would ya'll recommend?

Thanks, why the MKII and how would I find a new one?
Please keep the info rolling!!!!

There are a bunch of reports of Mark III's having troubles because of the safety additions like the loaded chamber indicator, the internal lock, the magazine safety that makes the gun inoperable when the mag is removed, etc. The Mark II is just as good as the Mark III, but it doesn't have all the extras that reportedly cause the problems.

As a matter of fact, if you go to the rimfire forums on the net, you'll quickly find that the majority of Mark III owners are modding their guns to be more like the Mark II. That's why I suggest you look for a Mark II.

Don't get me wrong. Personally, I've not had the problems reported with my Mark III, but I will say this. The disassembly is a heck of a lot harder than my Mark II because of the extra parts and overly tight tolerences.

Also, there is nothing technically wrong with the polymer frame of the 22/45. It's a preference thing and I'm the first to admit that I like wood and steel over plastic. There are tons of guys with the 22/45s and I'm sure that they are very reliable guns.

Deadite,
Thanks for the info! I am getting into casual shooting more and I am looking for a good plinking pistol that can build my confidence. I have generally been a rifle man, only really owning a couple of Glocks and other pistols for concealed carry. I have done research on other sites and I am hearing a lot of what you have said about the MKIII....and I am now just about sold on the MKII...but want to hear/find out a little more before I commit and try to get my hands on one!
Thanks again! This is such a great site with awesome members!

The Mark II or III are great plinkers. Especially, when you put a red-dot on them. It really improves your shooting skills. A real must is to at least have adjustable sights. I'd avoid fixed sights if you want to be really accurate.

Here's my current Mark II before I tricked it out with Volquartsen target trigger, sear and red-dot:

Thanks!! I will look into those other pistols as well. It is hard not to just walk into my gun shop and pick up a MKIII today since it seems that a MKII is harder to get a hold of...I have the gun bug... I am guessing a 5.5in bull barrel ( i am not real fond of the taper barrel) would be best..? and what do you think about the competition slab side and fluted hunter models? Thanks! I am getting very excited and this is great info!!

Thanks!! I will look into those other pistols as well. It is hard not to just walk into my gun shop and pick up a MKIII today since it seems that a MKII is harder to get a hold of...I have the gun bug... I am guessing a 5.5in bull barrel ( i am not real fond of the taper barrel) would be best..? and what do you think about the competition slab side and fluted hunter models? Thanks! I am getting very excited and this is great info!!

I think it's a preference thing. All of those barrel variations are seemingly just as accurate as the next. I like all of them, but for some reason, I don't really like the looks of the slabsided competition model.

The Hunter model with the flutes are really cool looking, but I don't really like the fiber optic front sights and the "V" notch rear sights.

If you don't mind the useless additions, the Mark III is a good gun, too. Even the 22/45. They're pretty cheap and have potential to be very accurate guns with some upgrades.

If I could get this project done under $600 that would be good and under $500 would be fantastic! I am going to look for a MKII today while attempting to avoid my local shop and the purchase of a MKIII!

I like the tapered barrels myself, better looking and much better balance. One I didn't like was the Mk III Hunter with the 6-7/8" barrel. Way out of balance and heavier than it needed to be, even with the fluting.
Check out the Mark III forum at Rimfire Central.

If I could get this project done under $600 that would be good and under $500 would be fantastic! I am going to look for a MKII today while attempting to avoid my local shop and the purchase of a MKIII!

I like the MarkIII having the mag release where it should be. I bought it with all intentions of missing it with markII parts but after use it I don't even notice the difference. Between the standard mark and the 22/45 that depends on your preference. The standard is closer to the flock grip angle. The 22/45 is closer to the 1911 grip angle.

If I decide to upgrade the trigger I will probably go with the mark II parts but for now I don't see the need.